Bariatric revision surgery in Medellín
From COP 22,000,000 to COP 45,000,000, depending on your previous surgery and the revision technique
Revision surgery is performed on patients who have already had bariatric surgery and regained weight, did not lose as much as expected, or have reflux or another complication. It includes sleeve revision, sleeve-to-bypass conversion, re-sleeve and gastric band removal. At MDE Care we connect you with a certified bariatric surgeon, coordinate the tests you need and tell you the cost before you decide.
18 to 36%
of gastric sleeves require revision
52%
of conversions to bypass are due to weight
70%
had complete reflux resolution after sleeve-to-bypass conversion, in one study
55%
of excess weight lost, band to bypass
It starts with your previous surgery
surgical report, endoscopy and imaging
What are your options based on your previous surgery?
Tell us which surgery you had and what is happening now. We will show you the revision techniques considered in a case like yours, the tests done beforehand and the estimated cost.
1Which surgery did you have?
2What is happening now?
With your two answers we will show you the revision techniques considered for your case, the published result that supports them and the tests done before deciding.
Your guidance
Revision surgery, estimated cost
COP 22,000,000to COP 45,000,000
The cost depends on your previous surgery and the revision procedure that is recommended.
Not included
COP 150,000 to COP 300,000
Assessment consultation with the bariatric surgeon.
In the United States, revision surgery costs between USD 25,000 and 35,000 on average.
Revision carries more risk than a primary bariatric surgery.
Ask about my case* Estimated result, based on published studies and guidelines. It does not replace the judgment of the bariatric surgeon, who chooses the technique after reviewing your surgical report and your tests.
What revision surgery is and when it is indicated
It is a new surgery in a patient who has already had bariatric surgery. It can correct the previous technique, convert it to another one or remove a device, such as a gastric band. That is why it is also searched for as gastric sleeve revision, sleeve-to-bypass conversion, re-sleeve, gastric band removal or surgery for weight regain.
It is indicated for two main reasons: a complication of the previous surgery, such as a fistula, obstruction, ulcer, severe reflux or band slippage, or weight regain due to dilation of the stomach or of its connection to the intestine, or because the band did not work. The guideline of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery distinguishes between weight recurrence and lack of response to surgery, and each one is evaluated differently.
The advantage is that it can resolve the reflux that appears after a sleeve and restore weight loss. The disadvantage is that it carries more risk than a primary surgery.
52%
Due to weight, sleeve to bypass
Of sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversions are done because of insufficient weight loss or weight regain.
30.4%
Due to reflux, sleeve to bypass
It is the second most common reason for converting a sleeve to a bypass.
18 to 36%
Sleeves that require revision
After a sleeve, weight recurrence is reported in very different figures depending on how it is defined, from 9 to 91%.
The band, the most revised
Gastric band removal and conversion account for most revision surgeries.
How revision surgery is evaluated
Before planning the revision, the team studies the surgery you had, how it turned out and what is causing the problem.
- 1
Report of the previous surgery
It shows which technique was performed and how.
- 2
Endoscopy
It allows the team to see inside the stomach and its connection to the intestine, and to look for dilation, ulcers or reflux.
- 3
Imaging studies
They show the anatomy left by the first surgery and complete the anatomical evaluation.
- 4
Psychosocial and behavioral evaluation
When the reason is weight regain, habits and context are reviewed before recommending another surgery.
- 5
Response to medical treatment
If the reason is reflux, revision is considered when it does not respond to medication.
Who is usually a candidate
Patients with a complication of the previous surgery, reflux that does not respond to medical treatment, or weight recurrence after a complete evaluation. Patients with reflux or diabetes may be better candidates for conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Revision techniques based on the previous surgery
Most are done laparoscopically. The length of the surgery depends on the procedure chosen and is defined by the surgeon at the assessment.
| Previous surgery | Revision options | Published result |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric band | Band removal and conversion to a gastric sleeve or to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in one or two stages. | At 24 months, conversion to bypass achieves 55% excess weight loss, compared with 28% for conversion to a sleeve. 59% of conversions are done in two stages, with no difference in complications. |
| Gastric sleeve | Re-sleeve, or conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a mini gastric bypass, SADI-S or a duodenal switch. | For reflux, conversion to bypass completely resolved symptoms in 70%. For weight, at 5 years SADI-S achieved 29.4% total weight loss, compared with 17.9% for bypass. |
| Roux-en-Y gastric bypass | Endoscopic revision, bypass distalization or conversion to a duodenal switch. | Conversion to a duodenal switch achieves 25 to 35% total weight loss at 2 to 3 years. |
Published results
Averages from published studies. Each patient’s result depends on the previous surgery, the revision technique and follow-up care.
Reflux after a sleeve
70%
had complete symptom resolution after converting the sleeve to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 60% stopped their reflux medications.
Sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
65 to 82%
mean excess weight loss, depending on the reason for the conversion.
Sleeve to SADI-S vs sleeve to bypass
29.4% vs 17.9%
total weight loss at 5 years as a revision surgery.
Band to bypass vs band to sleeve
55% vs 28%
excess weight loss at 24 months.
Bypass to duodenal switch
25 to 35%
total weight loss at 2 to 3 years.
Hospital stay, diet and time to return to work depend on the final procedure, and are defined by the bariatric surgeon at the assessment.
Recovery and supplements
In revision surgery there is no single length of hospital stay or time to return to work: they depend on the final procedure performed. At the assessment, the bariatric surgeon will tell you how many days you will stay at the clinic, what your diet will be and when you can resume your activities.
Supplements also follow the final procedure. For example, if a sleeve is converted to a bypass, from that point on you follow the bypass guidelines. See the technique that applies to you:
Risks of revision surgery
Operating on a previous surgery is more complex. Revision surgery has more perioperative complications than a primary bariatric surgery, which is why it is best done with a team experienced in revisions. The surgeon reviews with you the risks of the technique he or she recommends.
5.9% vs 3.4%
Complications at 30 days
When converting the sleeve to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, compared with converting it to SADI-S. SADI-S, however, had more leaks.
Leaks
More likely with re-sleeve and SADI-S
Compared with other sleeve revisions, re-sleeve and conversion to SADI-S showed more leaks at the connection.
9.95%
Complications from band to sleeve
With a range of 0 to 37.5% across studies, and leaks of 0 to 8.1%.
3.2% and 0.4%
At an accredited high-volume center
Major morbidity of 3.2% and mortality of 0.4% in revision surgery.
Your revision surgery in Medellín, step by step
The number of days you need to stay in Medellín depends on the final procedure, so we will tell you along with your quote. Much of the preparation is handled remotely.
Step 1
Contact us on WhatsApp
Tell us which surgery you had, when, and what is happening now.
Step 2
Send your surgical report
Along with your recent tests, if you have them.
Step 3
Video call with the surgeon
Initial assessment without traveling.
Step 4
Endoscopy and imaging
To define the revision technique.
Step 5
Quote in US dollars
With a breakdown of what is included and the days of your stay.
About revision surgery in Medellín
How much does bariatric revision surgery cost in Medellín?
Why is bariatric revision surgery performed?
Can a gastric sleeve be converted to a bypass?
Does conversion to a bypass resolve reflux after a sleeve?
Is it riskier than the first surgery?
I regained weight after a gastric sleeve. What are my options?
Can the gastric band be removed and another surgery performed?
How many days of hospital stay and recovery does it require?
Would you like to compare every technique?
The bariatric surgery guide compares your case with every option, with and without surgery.
Other bariatric surgery options
Request your revision surgery assessment in Medellín
Tell us which surgery you had, when, and what is happening now. We will coordinate your assessment with the bariatric surgeon and send you the cost of your process.